A Chinese couple is facing federal charges for allegedly smuggling a biological pathogen into the United States. Yunqing Jian, a researcher at the University of Michigan, and her boyfriend, Zunyong Liu, are accused of transporting the pathogen, which they reportedly studied while they were students at a university in China.
According to court documents, the couple's activities raised suspicion, leading to an investigation by federal authorities. The specific type of pathogen involved has not been publicly disclosed, but officials have stated that it poses a potential threat. The investigation is focused on determining the intended use of the smuggled material and assessing any potential risks to public health.
Jian and Liu are currently in custody and are awaiting further legal proceedings. If convicted, they could face significant penalties, including imprisonment and fines. The case highlights the ongoing concerns about biosecurity and the importance of preventing the unauthorized transportation of potentially dangerous biological materials across international borders.
Chinese Couple Charged with Smuggling Pathogen into U.S.
A Chinese couple has been accused of smuggling a biological pathogen into the United States. Yunqing Jian, a researcher at the University of Michigan, and her boyfriend, Zunyong Liu, are facing charges related to the incident. Authorities allege the couple studied the pathogen while they were university students in China. The investigation is ongoing to determine the potential risks associated with the smuggled material.
Source: Read the original article at NBC